Landmark
Trajan's Column
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Trajan's Column is a remarkable triumphal monument erected in 113 AD to commemorate Emperor Trajan's victory in the Dacian Wars (101–106 AD). The column stands about 30 meters (98 feet) tall, with a spiral bas-relief that winds around the shaft 23 times, illustrating scenes of battle, construction, and ceremonies. Originally, the column was topped with a statue of Trajan; today, a statue of St. Peter stands there. The reliefs provide a detailed visual narrative of Roman military life and engineering. The column is located in Trajan's Forum, near the Victor Emmanuel II Monument, and is best viewed from the surrounding square or from the nearby museums.
Don't miss
- Spiral relief – over 200 meters of carved scenes depicting the Dacian Wars
- Statue of St. Peter – added in 1588, replacing the original statue of Trajan
- Trajan's Forum – the surrounding archaeological area with ruins of markets and basilicas
- Inscription at the base – detailing the column's height and purpose
- View from the base – look up to appreciate the intricate carvings
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Trajan's Column
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inColosseum and Roman Forum Sightseeing Area Walking Tour4.9★ · 170 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →
Most bookedRome: Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour4.5★ · 25,037 travelers~3 hoursFrom$40 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleRome Colosseum, Forum and Pantheon Tour with Castel Sant’Angelo5★ · 11 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$166 per personSee dates →More attractions in Rome
